FLAX LOOKS TO BE A PROFITABLE OPTION FOR 2019
Flax looks like a good option for growers in 2019. Recent crop budgets from North Dakota State University show flax profits in many parts of the state. Flax showed positive returns of $4 and $18 per acre in the northwestern and southwestern regions. Many growers have consistently had flax yields over 30 bushels per acre, therefore based on this yield, net returns are projected at $79 per acre. These expected returns are very similar to predictions made by both Saskatchewan and Manitoba agencies. (more…)
Construction and demolition waste production in the EU
In 2012, total amount of the EU construction waste in EU reached 821 160 000 tones and, as a result, construction and demolition sector in EU produced 32% of EU waste. It should be also noted that the number of C&D wastes increases in the EU member states and it is expected that in 2020 the amount of waste generated by the construction sector will reach more than 500 million tonnes1 . Therefore, the market related to the construction and demolition waste is seen as the most attractive in comparison with markets aimed at collection or recovery of other types of waste2 .
The majority of C&D waste is produced in France, Germany, Netherland and United Kingdom however the group of important producers represent also Italy, Spain and Belgium. In 2011, revenues of recycling of construction and demolition waste in Europe reached $61 billion3. (more…)
Ukraine – Oil and Gas
The Government of Ukraine (GOU) considers the oil and gas industry as a strategic sector to achieve independence from foreign oil and gas imports. Since the Revolution of Dignity in 2014, Ukraine has taken necessary steps to diversify fuel supplies, improve the output and production of electricity, oil, and natural gas, all efforts aimed at increased energy independence. Ukraine continues to follow its path to energy security and independence though legislative reforms. In 2017, the GOU finally reduced the royalty rates for gas exploration to 12 % (from 28%) for wells up to 5,000 meters and to 6% (from 14%) for deeper wells. This makes Ukraine’s royalty tax one of the lowest in the EU.
Energy supply
Energy supply projections
The supply mix to meet growing energy demand will be historically diverse – from the oil and natural gas in America’s shale regions, to the deepwater fields off Brazil; from new nuclear reactors in China, to wind turbines and solar arrays in nations around the world.
This diversification in global energy supply will grow over the next two-and-a-half decades. Society’s push for lower-emission energy sources will drive substantial increases in renewables such as wind and solar. By 2040, nuclear and all renewables will be approaching 25 percent of global energy supplies.
Oil grows and continues to be the primary source of energy for transportation and as a feedstock for chemicals. Natural gas also grows, with increasing use in power generation, as utilities look to switch to lower-emissions fuels. Coal struggles to grow due to increased competition in power generation from renewables and natural gas, led by declines in OECD nations. (more…)
Community Investment Program
The Community Investment Program (CIP) supports a broad spectrum of programs and services by providing grant funding and agreements to community groups and non-profit organizations responsible for:
• Delivering various recreational, cultural and social programs and services.
• Developing and operating community facilities.
• Organizing community events. (more…)
Investment of Bond Proceeds
When governments issue bonds they deposit the bond proceeds (and occasionally other monies) in various funds, which may include a construction fund, debt service fund, capitalized interest fund, debt service reserve, or in the case of a refunding, an escrow fund. In some cases these funds may be held by a third party trustee. Monies allocated to these funds usually are invested until needed. The investment strategy for each fund will depend, in part, on federal or state statutes and regulations governing the types of instruments permitted to be used for the investments, the arbitrage yield permitted for the fund, requirements from rating agencies and/or credit enhancement providers, and the anticipated drawdown of bond proceeds. Additionally, each of these funds will have different investment objectives, so there are many factors that must be considered by the government when selecting the investment instrument. Governments need to be mindful that cash flow analyses are critical components of the process and are useful in reducing the possibility of negative arbitrage that may occur. Furthermore, the presence or lack of arbitrage could affect the entire structure and sizing of the debt financing.
9 Ways Performance Contracting Can Conserve Energy
To achieve efficiency improvements, water and wastewater utilities might be wise to consider performance contracting. A performance contract with an TNN LTD (TNN) can deliver much-needed operational efficiencies with manageable lifecycle costs and minimized risk.
The TNN delivers the efficiency project under a progressive design-build approach. Benefiting from the efficiencies, the owner pays the TNN for the improvements. In return, the TNN provides a guarantee of operational savings, which are specified in the performance contract. If the savings fall short, the TNN has to reimburse the owner. The intent of the performance contract is that the guaranteed savings generated will cover the debt service for the upgrades. (more…)
